Advice on growing with CFLs

[artemisinked]

I'm trying to come up with a Plan B since my foray into HID doesn't appear like it's going to be possible without burning down my house. SO, can you guys possibly give me some assistance with setting up a CFL grow? Here's what I was thinking:

Six plants, 3 autoflower dwarves, 3 indica-dominant mystery seeds (not feminized, so some will have to go)
2 20w wide spectrum fluorescent [3430 lumens]
2 65 w cool white (4100 K) CFLs [8400 lumens]
Total lumens: 11,830

Then, for flowering, I plan to switch out the 2 cool white CFLs for 2 warm white (2700K) CFLs at 7200 lumens.

Does this seem sufficient to you guys? Thanks a million!

artemisinked Reviewed by artemisinked on 10-06-2008. Advice on growing with CFLs I'm trying to come up with a Plan B since my foray into HID doesn't appear like it's going to be possible without burning down my house. SO, can you guys possibly give me some assistance with setting up a CFL grow? Here's what I was thinking: Six plants, 3 autoflower dwarves, 3 indica-dominant mystery seeds (not feminized, so some will have to go) 2 20w wide spectrum fluorescent 2 65 w cool white (4100 K) CFLs Total lumens: 11,830 Then, for flowering, I plan to switch out the 2 cool Rating: 5

[jdsoil]

What is the size of your grow space?
Six plants sounds like a bit much for only four bulbs. I currently am running twelve 23 watt CFL's on one plant alone that is 5-6 weeks into veg. I am using the SCROG technique to get the most out of my light. I have 8 sq. ft. of grow space and even with my 12 bulbs (19,200 lumens@312 watts) I am still lacking an optimal amount of light. Optimal light output=5000 lumens per sq. foot. I'm at 2,400 lumens/sq ft.
IMO your CFL's might work "okay" on your auto flowering strains but as for your indica, well, you'll need more light in order to get a good harvest.

[GoldenGraham84]

yo man-
i agree with jdsoil. might do "okay." here's a pic of my setup and if you went this way, you could triple your bulb count.

[InspectahEX]

check my grow log, i use cfls \/

[Revanche21]

I recommend jumping to HPS

cheaper electricity bill for more lumens!